Hit The Ground Running - Bond out to wipe clean deficit

Cherries Manager Kevin Bond has set his players the target of wiping clean the club's points deduction as soon as possible and to show the same spirit as they did towards the end of the last campaign.

The team won six consecutive matches towards the end of last season, ironically after defeat against Gillingham. Eighteen points will put the club on a positive points total and Bond is keen to start the job against the side who inflicted Cherries most recent defeat.

Looking ahead to the match Bond said, "Gillingham are always a strong side and I'm sure they'll be as determined as we are to bounce back quickly after relegation. They were in the Championship not so long ago and will be one of the favourites to go up.

"The start of the season is important for everybody, especially us, so we'll be looking to hit the ground running and win as many games as we can. Just because we need it doesn't mean it'll happen, we've got to make it happen and never let our heads drop.

"We got some momentum going towards the end of last season and it would be lovely to pick up where we left off. We need to stay clear of injuries and suspensions, but we also need to work hard and earn it.

"The timing of any points deduction isn't great, but then there never is a good time for it. There's nothing we can do about it, we just have to get on with it. It won't make us a worse team and it'll only make us less likely to win a game if we let it affect us."